Sandra's charity efforts have major impact (From Swindon Advertiser)

Sandra's charity efforts have major impact

1:00pm Friday 6th March 2009 in Search

PRIDE of Swindon contender Sandra Herbert is a committed charity fundraiser.

The 52-year-old from Wootton Bassett puts all her efforts into raising funds for the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Sandra suffers from MS herself – an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system.

She was diagnosed in 1989 but has never let her illness get in the way of generating thousands of pounds over a period of 20 years.

She is an integral part of the committee and has enabled the centre to expand to the point where the MS Centre is about to purchase its own premises and secure its long term future.

The ambition is to be a first-class provider of services to people with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions in the Swindon and surrounding area.

“This is an important group and this award would be on behalf of the MS Centre,” said Sandra. “MS is a horrible illness. You’re fatigued and it makes it hard to do things.

“After you have oxygen treatment at the centre it makes you feel like you have more energy and get up and go. It gives you a spring in your step.

“It’s a nice feeling to be able to make a difference through fundraising. I’ve organised stall collections, coffee mornings, jumble sales and fund applications.

“Standing outside a supermarket for two hours with a collection tin is worthwhile as it means someone will benefit.”

The Moving Soon Appeal for the MS centre, based at Unit 71A BSS House in Cheney Manor, needs to generate £700,000 to move to larger premises to accommodate more members.

At present the charity, which provides therapies, support, advice and information for people with MS, their families and carers, has raised £400,000.

“Our new centre will mean a less cramped and noisy building with better parking,” said Sandra.

“More members will be able to use the centre.

“I would encourage the public to get in touch with the centre if they would like to help donate funds or organise anything from a coffee morning to climbing a mountain for us.”

Centre manager Jackie Wray nominated Sandra for her award for her commitment to the MS Centre.

“Sandra has continually strived to support us in so many different ways,” she said.

“Her computer skills have been widely used to write letters to potential supporters and to design posters and flyers to advertise fundraising events.

“Her negotiating skills in approaching companies and organisations for items for raffles and auctions are incredible.She will manage to wheedle something from everyone if she can.

“Her organisational skills in helping to plan and run key fundraising events, such as our charity auctions and regular store collections, show real professionalism, but always carried out with a smile and sense of fun.

“Her networking skills with other like-minded organisations have been an important part of getting the MS Centre where it is today, well-known and with a good profile known by many local companies and other charities. She is truly a lady of many talents.”

Sandra has been a key driver of the fundraising committee and has helped to raise thousands of pounds over the years.

Jackie added: “She is never shy in standing with her collecting box at one of our many store collections.

“Sandra’s unlimited energy and enthusiasm to carry through new ideas has made a real difference to the group in achieving these goals and this could not have happened without her commitment and dedication.”

If you would like to make a donation to the MS Centre, please call 01793 481700 or visit www.msswindon.org.uk